Hallam was in his room, half dozing by the open window, ready to give him a friendly nod as he entered, threw down his riding-whip, and took up his usual position, with his back to the fireplace.
“Well,” said Hallam, “what news?”
“Oh, she has gone, sure enough.”
“So much the better,” said Hallam. “I always hated that woman.”
“What news have you?”
“None at all.”
“Have you told your wife that I wish the marriage to take place at once?”
“No.”
“Then go and tell her.”
Hallam shifted uneasily in his chair, but did not stir. “Look here!” cried Crellock fiercely, “do you want me to go through all our old arguments again? There it is—the marriage or the gang.”